Episode
Autistic Meltdowns and Shutdowns: What's the Difference?
- Published
- Aug 5, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 1072
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Summary
What’s really happening when an autistic person has a meltdown or shutdown at work? In today's episode I am reviewing the differences between autistic meltdowns and shutdowns. In doing so, I am reading from Embrace Autism's blog on what meltdowns and shutdowns along with my experiences of these descriptions. For more information on this topic read more from Embrace Autism's website here. Please note this episode is audio-only this week. I read from a newly updated Embrace Autism article that explains the BIMS profile: Burnout, Inertia, Meltdowns, and Shutdowns. Then, I share personal stories of how masking, miscommunication, executive dysfunction, and sensory overwhelm have triggered these experiences for me in real-time — sometimes in high-stakes workplace situations. If you’ve ever struggled with emotional overload, gone completely silent in meetings, or felt deep shame after "losing it" at work — this episode is for you. You’ll also learn research-backed strategies for recognizing early signs, completing the stress cycle, and supporting recovery. Topics in this episode include: Meltdowns vs shutdowns: what’s the difference? What overload looks like in the workplace How ADHD and masking contribute to dysregulation Shame and recovery after a shutdown or meltdown Tools to recognize early signs and self-regulate 🎧 Listen now and subscribe for more episodes on neurodiversity at work, unmasking, burnout, and thriving as a professional with ADHD and autism. 🧠 Coaching + resources: https://audhdboss.com 📬 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://brettwhitmarsh.substack.com #AutisticBurnout #ADHDAndAutism #MeltdownVsShutdown #NeurodivergentAtWork #AuDHD #Masking #ExecutiveDysfunction #WorkplaceAccommodations